Halloween is only a few weeks away, and even though you promised you wouldn’t put your costume off again this year, life gets in the way, and coming up with a creative and chic look can feel like an impossible task. Really, though, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel, the classics are there for a reason. A cowgirl, a bride, a sexy nurse—you can’t go wrong with any of those, but you can also kick them up a notch, and add a bit of a high fashion twist to these tried-and-true costumes. Below, we’ve compiled some luxe takes on classic Halloween costumes inspired by W photoshoots, so you can look great with minimal effort, and stand out no matter your Halloween plans.
A Witch
Skip the green face paint, and grab your favorite black dress and boots, add a little eyeliner and a pointy hat and you’re all good to go.
Jennifer Lawrence photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W Magazine, Volume 1, 2023.
A Tokusatsu Villain
Actually, Jennifer Coolidge’s entire cover shoot for W is filled with Tokusatsu costume inspiration.
Jennifer Coolidge photographed by Lenne Chai for W Magazine, Volume 2, 2023.
Barbie
Yeah, everyone’s going to be doing it, but that’s just because it’s a great costume. All you need is a whole lot of pink and a Ken to follow you around all night.
Margot Robbie photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, Volume One 2019.
A Mime
The perfect costume if you don’t want to make small talk at the party.
Scarlett Johansson photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, June 2011.
Carmen
Channel your inner Carmen in a dramatic gown in seasonally appropriate shades of orange and black.
Penélope Cruz photographed by Pedro Almodóvar for W Magazine, 2022.
A Skeleton
Look good while still staying warm during your late October night out.
Seth Rogen photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W Magazine, Volume 1, 2023.
A Starburst
Okay, you may not have access to Schiaparelli couture, but you can definitely still pull this interplanetary look off.
Zendaya photographed by Jack Davison for W Magazine, Volume 2, 2022.
An Angel
Pair some angel wings with an etheral white gown for a more mature take on this classic costume.
Jennifer Lawrence photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W Magazine, Volume 1, 2023.
A Disco Ball
A costume that’s best accompanied by a group of friends dancing around you at all times.
Naomi Campbell photographed by Rafael Pavarotti for W Magazine, 2022.
A Bat
Drape yourself in black fabric—or even bed sheets—and flap your arms for dramatic effect.
Michelle Yeoh photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W Magazine Volume 1, 2023.
A Sexy Nun
Keep it cute as a woman of the cloth in a simple habit with a mini LBD and thigh-high socks.
Amber Valletta photographed by Michael Thompson for W Magazine, Volume 4 2022.
A Ghost
Wear your favorite dress and all-white makeup for a chic take on the classic Halloween costume.
Tilda Swinton photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, May 2013.
A Cowboy
A massive 10-gallon hat and a simple jean jacket and you’ll be ready to ride off into the sunset.
Benedict Cumberbatch photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, Volume 1, 2022.
A Bug
A simple outfit with black with white spots is reminiscent of the young version of the dreaded spotted lanternfly. Add red wings for the full effect.
Janelle Monae photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W magazine Volume 1 2023.
A Bird
Break out all the feathers and prepare to molt all night long.
Jennifer Lawrence photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, October 2012.
A Pumpkin
If the devil can wear Prada, why not the pumpkin?
Photograph by Willy Vanderperre for W Magazine, Volume 5, 2021.
A Bunny
Level up your simple bunny ears by wrapping yourself in some faux fur.
Photograph by Willy Vanderperre for W Magazine, Volume 5, 2022.
A Disney Princess
Make like Beauty and the Beast’s Belle in a golden yellow gown—this one just so happens to be from Alexander McQueen but any sweet yellow frock will do.
Ruth Negga photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine Volume 1 2022.
An Old Hollywood Star
It’s all about the theatrics with this one.
Cate Blanchett photographed by Shirin Neshat for W Magazine, 2018.
A Doll
While everyone else may be dressing like Barbie, try a creepier version of the costume by throwing on your best baby doll dress, a bow in your hair, and a dead-eyed look on your face.
Amelia Gray photographed by Willy Vanderperre for W Magazine, Volume 6, 2022.
A Butterfly
Put on a colorful dress, strap on some wings, and poof: You’re a butterfly! Bonus points if both items match your hair color. Even more points if they match your home, as well.
Florence Welch photographed by Tina Barney for W magazine, Volume 2, 2018.
A Sexy Nurse
Every Halloween party needs a nurse on standby.
Kate Moss photographed by Richard Prince for W magazine, 2003.
A Showgirl
Embrace the burlesque revival with over-the-top bouffant hair and layers of chic pieces that can be removed without revealing too much.
Adut Akech photographed by Nadia Lee Cohen for W magazine Volume 6 2022.
A Flower
The anthurium flower has captured fashion’s attention thanks to its prominence on the dresses and accessories at Loewe. But it also makes for a striking costume when recreated at home.
Model Mona Tougaard photographed by Rafael Pavarotti for W Magazine, Volume 1 2023.
The Joker
Get your Joker costume in this year before Folie à Deux comes out and the party is crawling with them.
Will Ferrell photographed by Mario Sorrenti for W Magazine, February 2012.
A Cozy Bear
A fuzzy bear costume is perfect for a cold Halloween night.
Photograph by Tim Walker for W magazine, Volume 4 2018.
A Jockey
Once you have the jacket, the hat, and a riding crop–you won’t even need pants.
Madonna photographed by Steven Klein for W magazine, June 2006.
A Boxer
Less is more with this one. To really drive the point home add a gold championship-style heavyweight belt.
Anthony Ramos photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine, Volume 1 2022.
A Bride
Gather all the tulle you can find, and go as a couture bride.
Anya Taylor Joy photographed by Paolo Roversi for W Magazine, April 2017.
A Ballerina
Most ballerinas don’t wear heels with their tutus, but you can make an exception for Halloween.
Photograph by Craig McDean for W magazine, December 2006.
A Queen
Unless you’re Rihanna, it’s unlikely that makeup master Pat McGrath will do your makeup for Halloween. But, you can always take a stab at imitating her work.
Photo by Mert and Marcus for W magazine, September 2014.
A Hitchcock Heroine
No birds were harmed in the making of this costume.
Scarlett Johansson photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine, June 2011.
A Deep Sea Diver
Skip the tricky fins, just add a snorkle.
Unknown T photographed by Tim Walker, W Magazine 2021.
Batman and Robin
Find someone who is willing to commit to being Batman, and then wear whatever you like as their sexy sidekick.
Photograph by Inez and Vinoodh for W magazine, December 2008.
A Cheetah
You probably already own something with cheetah print. Pick up a matching mask for an especially ferocious evening.
Photograph by Craig McDean for W magazine, December 2007.
A Mermaid
Okay, this one is a little bit trickier. But once you have the tail, and someone to carry you around, it’s easy.
Kristen McMenamy photographed by Tim Walker for W magazine, December 2013.
Snow
A more abstract option, but a cool one, nonetheless.
Brie Larson photographed by Juergen Teller for W Magazine, February 2014.
An Alien
Simply imagine your version of what may or may not be flying those UFOS.
Julia Nobis photographed by Steven Meisel for W Magazine, March 2014.
David Bowie
Every Halloween party could use a David Bowie moment.
Tilda Swinton photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, August 2011.
A Politician
It’s not 2024 yet, but a politician costume is definitely still in style.
Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried photographed by Michael Thompson for W Magazine, October 2011.
A Clown
Modern jokers know to trade the oversized clown shoes for flip-flops. Honking red nose is optional.
Michelle Williams photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth for W magazine Volume 1 2023.
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